Baby was ‘ray of hope amid tears’
Tot’s death is third tragedy ‘Dog maul parents’ arrested
She is a brilliant mum and would not put her kids in jeopardy
CLOSE FRIEND SPEAKS OUT TO DEFEND ABIGAIL
MUM Abigail Ellis gazes down at her newborn son days before he was mauled to death by the family dog.
Tiny lad Elon was meant to be a “fresh start” for the mother after two tragedies rocked her in recent years, a friend said.
Abigail’s dad, Richard, died in 2013, then her fiance and father of her three other children, 28-year-old Joel Smart, who had a heart condition, died in 2018.
The friend said: “Baby Elon was her ray of hope amid the tragedy.”
Abigail, 27, and the boy’s dad, Stephen Joynes, 35, have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the child’s death.
Elon’s father and brother tried to save the tot after the huge dog apparently ran inside after escaping from a pen in the back garden, a relative has said.
The baby’s uncle added the 12-day-old boy was lying in his Moses basket in a downstairs room at the family home when he was attacked.
The chow-chow cross named Teddy grabbed the baby, who weighed less than 7lb, in its jaws, the relative said.
He added Abigail was upstairs and that the dog’s wooden pen might not have been high enough.
The uncle said: “It was horrible and we’re all in total shock. My sister is in bits. She’s lost her baby, and her son saw it all.
“Teddy’s not a dangerous dog... I think he was jealous when the baby came along. Or maybe he thought the baby was a toy – he was a tiny thing.”
It is said Teddy was one of the couple’s two dogs. Elon was rushed to hospital
from his home in
Woodlands, Doncaster, South Yorks, on Sunday afternoon, but medics were unable to save his life.
One of mum Abigail’s closest friends, who did not want to be named, said: “She’ll be devastated. This will break her.
“Her partner Joel died 18 months ago. He had a heart condition.
“She did fall apart for a bit after he died. She’s never had it easy but she met
Stephen and fell pregnant and saw this as a fresh start. Those kids were her world – she’s a brilliant mum who always puts them first.
“People are saying online she deserves to die or go to jail for life.
“That’s why I spoke out. To tell them she’s a brilliant mum and would never put her kids in jeopardy.
“It’s just a tragic accident. Abbie’s lovely. She loves dogs and would never have a dog around the kids if she thought they were dangerous. I think the dog involved was her partner’s”
Police said the dog has been removed from the home and will be in secure kennels until inquiries are complete.
Bunches of flowers were yesterday taped to the garden gate at the terraced house, which is where Abigail’s dad lived.
A neighbour said: “Abbie was a great mum. They never had much money but the kids never went without.”
Police have not named the arrested pair but locals confirmed the baby’s parents are the ones who were held. They have been released on bail.
They put photos on Facebook after the birth. Abigail said: “Our gorgeous baby boy. Love him to bits.” Fiance Stephen said: “Couldn’t be more chuffed.”